How Do I Unclog the Hair From My Drain?
Hair-clogged drains are frustrating, but they are one of the most common plumbing problems—and one you can often fix yourself! Simple DIY methods like using vinegar and baking soda, a plunger, or a homemade “snake” often do the trick without calling a plumber.
As experienced plumbers in Midland and Odessa, I Fix Pipe has helped countless homeowners with hair-clogged drains. Let’s explore how to remove hair from drains and practical prevention tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Make a DIY Plumbing Snake
If you can see the clog near the surface, you may be able to pull it out yourself. To do this, take a stiff wire (like a wire hanger) and use pliers to bend one side of it into a hook. Gently push the wire into your drain, snag the clog, and pull it out.
Once the clog is removed, run hot water down the drain and repeat as necessary. Be careful with this method; if you have old, brittle pipes, you don’t want to scratch them and cause possible damage.
Use a Plunger
A plunger will help loosen the hair clog so you can either flush it down the drain or pull it out. First, firmly suction the plunger to your drain and fill the tub or sink with about 2 inches of water. Then, plunge firmly for a few minutes to help dislodge the clog.
When you’re done, remove the plunger and flush with hot water. If water flow is restored, you’ve successfully flushed the clog down. If not, check your drain—sometimes, the loosened clog is close enough to remove by hand.
Try a Natural Cleaning Solution
A tried-and-true method to clear clogged drains is a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
Pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. You should hear a fizzing reaction. Wait for about 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. You can also run very hot water once your pot of boiling water runs out.
This is a natural and safe method that you can repeat as many times as needed. It is not recommended to use a chemical drain cleaner, as these are harsh and can corrode your pipes over time (NuFlow, Does Chemical Drain Cleaner Cause Plumbing Pipe Corrosion?).
How to Prevent Hair-Clogged Drains:
The best way to fix a hair-clogged drain is to avoid having one in the first place. Here are a few practical tips to help:
- Use a hair-catcher over your drain: These inexpensive mesh or silicone covers, available at any hardware store, traps hair before it enters your plumbing.
- Clean regularly: Loose hair from brushing or washing can sit in the sink or tub basin. Wipe or rinse these areas frequently so the hair doesn’t end up down the drain.
- Brush your hair before showering: Brushing helps remove loose strands that would otherwise wash down the drain when you shower.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried every DIY method and your drains still aren’t moving, the issue may go deeper. Persistent or recurring clogs often point to buildup within the main line or multiple connected drains. At this point, it’s best to let a professional handle it.
When left untreated, these clogs can lead to leaks, cracks, or pipe damage—problems that are far more expensive to fix later. At I Fix Pipe, we offer:
- Fast, expert drain unclogging
- Hydro-jetting for deep or stubborn blockages
- Trenchless plumbing solutions to repair or replace damaged pipes
- Electronic leak detection for hidden plumbing issues
- Free second opinions on any plumbing advice
- 24/7 emergency service for urgent problems
- And any other plumbing needs you may have
Keep Your Water Flowing with I Fix Pipe
Whether you have a small, stubborn clog that just won’t budge or suspect a larger, systemic issue, I Fix Pipe is here to help. Proudly serving Midland, Odessa, and the entire Permian Basin, we’ll be there fast to help.
Contact I Fix Pipe to schedule your drain unclogging or plumbing checkup service today! And if you’re not sure if we offer the service you need, just remember: if water flows through it…we do it!
